GinaMcClain.com

There’s a new book hitting the stores soon.  It’s a unique book written by a diverse group of #kidmin leaders.  Some of have led in Children’s Ministry for 20+ years, while others have been in Children’s Ministry less than 10 years.  It’s a talented group of people that have their hands in kids ministry in some form or fashion.

Soon you’ll hear more about this book.

In fact, to keep tabs on what’s happening you can become a fan on Facebook, follow on Twitter, watch a video on YouTube, & soon you can follow a blog tour hosted by Henry Zonio.

I anticipate learning a lot from the varied perspectives on how the church connects with the family to impact the next generation.  I’ve got my coffee mug in place… all I need now is the book.  Which I’ve already pre-ordered at Amazon.

Every kids ministry leader knows the beauty and challenge of leading kids to authentic worship.

We all have a worship element to our weekly experience.  Designated segments within the hour to sing, dance and celebrate God alone.  These segments serve multiple purposes.

1. To get the wiggles out.  Kids can only sit for so long.  Peppering in a few worship songs gives them the chance to move around
2. Raise the energy level.  Sometimes you want to amp it up a bit… a lively worship song is a great solution
3. Unforgettable close.  When you’ve got an engaged group of kids and volunteers there is nothing like closing out the experience with worship.  You just can’t top it

But the thing about worship  that continues to stump me is…

How do we effectively teach kids how to worship?

How do we teach them that worship is more than choreographed movements to a song but rather a posture of the heart?

The trend I’ve seen in my experience is that I capitalize on music to engage and energize the crowd.  I’ve inserted slower, more thoughtful songs in the set, but even then there is more emphasis on engagement with the motions rather than coaching them to internalize the words.  I’ve not found an effective way to coach kids in how to center their minds and hearts on the Lord during worship.

And because I’ve not found a solution here I’m transitioning kids into youth ministry that don’t know what to do during worship.

I can successfully transition a 6 year old into the elementary experience by teaching them the right ways to move when a worship song plays.  I can successfully draw in the 2nd & 3rd grader to engage physically to a point they aren’t self-conscious.

But how do I lead them through a shift from physical movement to spiritual submission?

I recognize that the Holy Spirit is the key player in spiritual submission.  But there must be a clear path to it and I think that ball is in my court.

What is your experience?  How do you create a worship environment that fosters a shift to focusing their hearts and mind on Jesus?

Dr Chris Stephens (aka my pastor) is hosting the Lit Conference 2010 on April 29th specifically geared for church leadership.  A day full of interaction with these outstanding leaders… Pat Summit, Pete Wilson, Johnny Hunt and Chris Stephens.  Only 250 will attend.  You don’t want to miss this.

You are one of the chosen, the called, to lead the church. But if you’re like most ministry leaders, you feel isolated and inadequate for such an overwhelming task. The LIT Conference was created to equip and encourage the called. We want to provide you with resources and relationships that will help you make a greater impact for the Kingdom of God.

LIT2010 is an intimate gathering of only 250 church leaders and their teams. We limited the size so we could give you the best possible care and attention. As you hear from compelling leaders like Chris Stephens, Pat Summit, Pete Wilson and Johnny Hunt, you’ll have the chance to interact with other leaders in the same stage of ministry.

You’ll walk away with resources, insights, and relationships that will take you to the next level of ministry. Our passion is to build you up and prepare you for a great season of ministry ahead. We want this to be a rekindling experience. We want you to get lit.

Here’s more…

Welcome to LIT from Kaleo Ministries on Vimeo.